Is There A Link Between Gluten And Psoriasis?

Over recent years, there has been a growing interest in gluten-free diets for improving psoriasis symptoms. According to a 2017 study, 36 percent of people with psoriasis followed a gluten-free diet to help with their symptoms. Among those who avoided gluten, 53 percent reported improvements in their symptoms.

This has intrigued researchers to investigate the relationship between psoriasis and gluten. In this article, we’ll examine this connection alongside the potential benefits and downsides.

Does Gluten Trigger Psoriasis?

Most research suggests that gluten could worsen psoriasis symptoms in people with a high level of anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA). This is a sign of gluten sensitivity.

It is also common for people with psoriasis to have concurrent immune diseases that relate to the gut and joints. For instance, people with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing Crohn’s disease, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis.

Furthermore, psoriasis patients are 2.16 times more likely to suffer from celiac disease. This is a condition where gluten damages the villi of the intestine. A study also discovered that 14 percent of individuals with psoriasis had high levels of AGA compared with only 5 percent of the general population.

Benefits And Downsides To Following A Gluten-Free Diet?

The only people required to follow a gluten-free diet are those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. In certain cases, people with autoimmune conditions could have an increased risk of developing any of these conditions.

Though the public perception of gluten has worsened in recent years, the claims backing gluten-free diets aren’t backed by scientific research. In reality, there are multiple downsides to removing gluten from your diet. These include nutrient deficiencies, increased costs, negative social experiences, and difficulty purchasing and preparing foods.

A gluten-free diet is difficult to follow as gluten can be found in multiple foods, beverages, and over-the-counter products. As such, there is no need to stick to such a strict routine unless you have no other choice.

Conclusion

Research suggests that gluten could worsen psoriasis symptoms in people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. By following a gluten-free diet, you could improve these symptoms.

However, gluten does not cause psoriasis, and sticking to a gluten-free diet won’t improve your symptoms if you don’t suffer from gluten sensitivity.

If you suspect that you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, talk to a qualified healthcare provider. They can recommend a gluten-free diet and provide support as you transition to your new eating style.